ATI PN PEDS PROCTORED
EXAM
,1. A chest radiograph film is ordered for a child with suspected cardiac problems. The child's
parent asks the nurse, "What will the radiograph show about the heart?" The nurse's response
should be based on knowledge that the x-ray film will show:
a. bones of chest but not the heart.
b. measurement of electrical potential generated from heart muscle.
c. permanent record of heart size and configuration.
d. computerized image of heart vessels and tissues.
ANS: C
A chest radiograph will provide information on the heart size and pulmonary blood-flow patterns.
It will provide a baseline for future comparisons. The heart will be visible, as well as the sternum
and ribs. Electrocardiography (ECG) measures the electrical potential generated from heart
muscle. Echocardiography will produce a computerized image of the heart vessels and tissues
by using sound waves.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Understand REF: 835
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
2. The nurse is assessing a child after a cardiac catheterization. Which complication should the
nurse be assessing for?
a. Cardiac arrhythmia
b. Hypostatic pneumonia
c. Heart failure
d. Rapidly increasing blood pressure
ANS: A
Because a catheter is introduced into the heart, a risk exists of catheter-induced dysrhythmias
occurring during the procedure. These are usually transient. Hypostatic pneumonia, heart
failure, and rapidly increasing blood pressure are not risks usually associated with cardiac
catheterization.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: 853
TOP: Integrated Process: Nursing Process: Assessment
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Physiologic Integrity: Reduction of Risk Potential
3. José is a 4-year-old child scheduled for a cardiac catheterization. Preoperative teaching
should be:
a. directed at his parents because he is too young to understand.
b. detailed in regard to the actual procedures so he will know what to expect.
c. done several days before the procedure so that he will be prepared.
, d. adapted to his level of development so that he can understand.
ANS: D
Preoperative teaching should always be directed at the child's stage of development. The
caregivers also benefit from the same explanations. The parents may ask additional questions,
which should be answered, but the child needs to receive the information based on
developmental level. Preschoolers will not understand in-depth descriptions and should be
prepared close to the time of the cardiac catheterization.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: 822
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
4. Which explanation regarding cardiac catheterization is appropriate for a preschool child?
a. Postural drainage will be performed every 4 to 6 hours after the test.
b. It is necessary to be completely "asleep" during the test.
c. The test is short, usually taking less than 1 hour.
d. When the procedure is done, you will have to keep your leg straight for at least 4 hours.
ANS: D
The child's leg will have to be maintained in a straight position for approximately 4 hours.
Younger children can be held in the parent's lap with the leg maintained in the correct position.
Postural drainage will not be performed unless the child has corresponding pulmonary
problems. The child should be sedated to lie still, but being completely asleep is not necessary.
The test will vary in length of time from start to finish.
PTS: 1 DIF: Cognitive Level: Apply REF: 823
TOP: Integrated Process: Teaching/Learning
MSC: Area of Client Needs: Health Promotion and Maintenance
5. The nurse is caring for a school-age child who has had a cardiac catheterization. The child
tells the nurse that the bandage is "too wet." The nurse finds the bandage and bed soaked with
blood. The most appropriate initial nursing action is to:
a. notify physician.
b. apply new bandage with more pressure.
c. place the child in Trendelenburg position.
d. apply direct pressure above catheterization site.
ANS: D
If bleeding occurs, direct continuous pressure is applied 2.5 cm (1 inch) above the percutaneous
skin site to localize pressure over the vessel puncture. Notifying a physician and applying a new
bandage can be done after pressure is applied. The nurse can have someone else notify the
physician while the pressure is being maintained. It is not a helpful intervention to place the girl
in the Trendelenburg position. It would increase the drainage from the lower extremities.